The diseases related to the valves of the heart are known as heart valve disorders. The heart has four valves:

• Tricuspid valve
• Pulmonary valve
• Mitral valve
• Aortic valve

These heart valves ensure that the blood flows in a forward direction and there is no reverse leakage in the heart. The pulmonary valve controls the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs, mitral and tricuspid valve control the flow of blood between the atria and the ventricles and aortic valve controls the blood flow between the heart and the aorta.

Causes of Valvular Heart Disease

There are number of factors that may contribute in the development of valvular Heart Disease. Causes of valve diseases are:

• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Inflammation in the aorta
• Heart attack in the past
• Old age
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Atherosclerosis
• Autoimmune disorder
• Inflammation of the heart tissue
• Cardiomyopathy
• Birth defect

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Symptoms

The symptoms of Valvular Heart Disease depend on the severity of the valve disorder. The symptoms indicate the problem associated with blood flow. The most common symptoms of Valvular Heart Disease are:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of abdomen, feet, or ankles
• Migraine
• Persistent cough
• Inflammation
• Pulmonary problems
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Abnormal weight gain

Diagnosis of Valvular Heart Disease

• The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lung. This helps doctor to determine the abnormalities related to heart valve. This will also help the doctor to determine the fluid buildup and water retention.
• A chest x-ray is done to take a picture of the patient’s heart. X-ray reveals if there is any change in the shape of heart.
• A stress test is done to determine the severity of the patient’s condition. A stress test reveals how the heart reacts when put in a stressful condition.
• Magnetic resource imaging (MRI) gives the detailed picture of the heart, which helps to determine the problems associated with a particular valve.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) shows the electrical activity of the heart.
• Echocardiogram produces sound waves to create the picture of the heart valves and chambers.

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Treatment

The treatment of valvular heart disease depends on the type of heart valve affected. The treatment of Valvular Heart Disease may include medications, surgery and healthy change in lifestyle. Beta-blockers and calcium blockers are prescribed by the doctor to control the heart rate and blood flow. Vasodilators and diuretics medicines reduce the fluid retention and dilate the blood vessels. A doctor may also perform a valvuloplasty to treat stenosis. In this surgical procedure, a small balloon is inserted into your heart and is inflated slightly to increase the opening of the valve and then the balloon is removed. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and alcohol and following a healthy diet can also help in reducing the symptoms of valvular heart disease.